- 1). Cover the table in a tablecloth appropriate for the dinner party. If you are having a party to celebrate a specific occasion, keep this in mind when choosing your tablecloth. A light blue or pink tablecloth is ideal for a baby shower, whereas a red tablecloth can add a festive appearance. A white tablecloth can give a look of elegance for a formal dinner party.
- 2). Line the center of the table using tasteful decorations, such as flowers, bowls of lemons or candles. You can also be creative and use other items as a centerpiece. Take the occasion into consideration when choosing decorations. Use small framed photographs for a birthday or family event, silver rattles for a baby shower or small boxes holding a gift for each of your guests. Avoid using large centerpieces that will prevent guests from seeing one another across the table.
- 3). Set the table for a three course formal dinner by placing a soup bowl on top of a dinner plate at each place setting. To the left of the dinner plate place three forks going from left to right in order of use including a salad fork, dinner fork and dessert fork. Place a napkin to the left of the forks. On the right side of the dinner plate place a knife then a teaspoon and finally a soup spoon. Place a small plate for bread and butter at the top left corner of the place setting along with a butter knife. Position three glasses at the top right of the place setting including a glass for water, a larger wine glass for red wine and a smaller wine glass for white wine.
- 4). Place a dinner plate at each place setting for a less formal dinner party. Place the napkin neatly on the plate with a fork to the left of the plate and a knife to the right. Place a teaspoon to the right of the knife and a single drinking glass in the top right corner of the place setting. To the left of the fork position a plate for salad and place a small plate in the top left corner of the place setting for bread and butter, along with a butter knife.
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